Chilcoot
4.6236 reviewsQuick Facts
5,100 ftPrice
$30 - $34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
40 campsites
Season
Open from May 23 to ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
5,100 ftPrice
$30 - $34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
40 campsites
Season
Open from May 23 to ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsChilcoot
$30.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rates vary based on the season: $34 during peak season (May 23 - September 6) and $30 during first-come, first-served season (September 7...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$34.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider530-836-2575jackjodyparker@yahoo.com
What Campers Say
4.62
Top-Rated
Based on 36 reviews
3 Google reviews
Most mentioned
spaciouslocationlakefriendly
"The campground is well-loved for its natural beauty, proximity to a creek, and serene environment. User reviews highlight spacious sites, clean facilities, and friendly hosts. "The sound of the creek is soothing," mentioned one camper."
Fees & Passes at Chilcoot
$30 - $34/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled up to the day before check-in. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along wi...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Outdoors in Plumas website.
Best Time to Camp at Chilcoot
Experience the best of high-country camping with Chilcoot's inviting summer climate, where temperatures dance between a refreshing 59°F in the morning to a comfortable 87°F in the afternoon. Crystal-clear skies dominate the season, creating perfect conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, though adventurers should note that road access becomes challenging during the colder months.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23 - September 6. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 28 with peak season lasting until September 6.
About Chilcoot
Discover your perfect mountain retreat at Chilcoot Campground, where the gentle melody of Last Chance Creek creates a natural soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. Nestled within the expansive Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, this hidden gem strikes the perfect balance between lake accessibility and peaceful seclusion. Here, pine-scented breezes and starlit nights await those seeking an authentic Sierra Nevada camping experience.
Chilcoot Campground offers options for tent camping and RV camping. A mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available. Some sites are designated as tent-only.
Historical SignificanceSet against the backdrop of the magnificent Sierra Valley—the largest valley in the entire Sierra Nevada range—Chilcoot Campground sits at the crossroads of natural and cultural heritage. This remarkable landscape has shaped both the ecology and human history of the region for generations, offering campers a chance to connect with a place where indigenous peoples, early settlers, and modern adventurers have all found inspiration.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of high-country camping with Chilcoot's inviting summer climate, where temperatures dance between a refreshing 59°F in the morning to a comfortable 87°F in the afternoon. Crystal-clear skies dominate the season, creating perfect conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, though adventurers should note that road access becomes challenging during the colder months.
ElevationPerched at 5,100 feet above sea level, Chilcoot Campground offers the sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable exploration. This ideal elevation gifts visitors with crisp, pine-scented air, spectacular panoramic vistas, and those gloriously cool summer evenings perfect for gathering around the campfire.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where nature showcases its diversity at the remarkable Last Chance Scenic Area. Towering pines and whispering cottonwoods create a verdant canopy above, while hardy desert scrub paints the understory with unexpected textures and colors. Last Chance Creek winds through it all, its crystal-clear waters supporting a thriving ecosystem where deer browse at dawn, birds fill the air with song, and the occasional eagle soars overhead.
Geological RegionExperience camping at nature's crossroads, where ancient volcanic forces meet high desert landscapes in the captivating Last Chance Scenic Area. Millions of years ago, massive lava flows sculpted this unique terrain, creating a fascinating geological tapestry where mountain pine forests seamlessly blend with resilient desert vegetation. This rare ecosystem offers campers an extraordinary opportunity to explore two distinct biomes in a single adventure.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySite #3 is identified as an accessible site, and users have commented positively on its accessibility and proximity to the creek.
Sites SizeSites are noted for their spacious layout, with some being large enough to accommodate multiple vehicles when permitted.
Sites PrivacyThe sites provide a mix of privacy levels. Many are described as private and secluded, particularly those near the creek. One user stated, "The sites are spacious and most are private."
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the creek provide privacy, shade, and soothing water sounds. Sites #7 and #27 are highly recommended.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Typically accommodates up to 2 vehicles per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground features a mix of tent-only sites and RV sites, with paved roads and parking. Sites are arranged in loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 to September 28 with peak season lasting until September 6.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFifteen campsites are reservable during peak season; other sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis outside of peak season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to the day before check-in. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night’s recreation use fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chilcoot Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and water-based activities at nearby Frenchman Lake. The creek running through the campground itself provides opportunities for small-scale water play and relaxation.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities in the surrounding area include trails and forest roads. The nearby Little Last Chance Scenic Area offers picturesque routes through ancient lava flows.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with access to Last Chance Creek and Frenchman Lake. One user review highlighted fishing: "Close to the stream for fishing!"Swimming
Swimming is available in the nearby Frenchman Lake. The creek running through the campground is shallow and suitable for small children to play.Boating
Boating activities, including kayaking and motorized boating, are available at Frenchman Lake, which is less than three miles away.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears. Visitors are advised to follow bear safety practices.Winter Activities
Winter activities in the area include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing at Frenchman Lake.Water Sports
Frenchman Lake supports various water sports, including jet skiing and water skiing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed using locally sourced firewood; firewood bundles are available for purchase from camp hosts.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are present in the area; bear safety measures are recommended. Seasonal fire hazards may exist.
Weather at Chilcoot
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Chilcoot and Loyalton, including police and medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 6
Trash and recyclingTrash services are available during peak seasons. Bear-resistant trash containers are provided at campsites.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Last Chance Creek and less than 3 miles from Frenchman Lake.
Common complaintsComplaints include surprise fees for extra vehicles, unannounced changes to check-out times, and occasional dissatisfaction with camp host behavior.
HostHosts are generally described as friendly and helpful, although there are mixed reviews regarding behavior and fee enforcement.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Reno, Nevada, travel north on Highway 395. Merge onto Highway 70 west and continue 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 and continue 5 miles to the campground.
Paved roads are available to the campground. Seasonal closures may apply during winter months.Nearby places
Chilcoot (approx. 5 miles), Loyalton (approx. 10 miles), Reno (approx. 60 miles)
Nearby supplies
Stores for groceries and camping supplies are located in Chilcoot and Loyalton, approximately 5 to 10 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
36 reviews
Chilcoot is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is well-loved for its natural beauty, proximity to a creek, and serene environment. User reviews highlight spacious sites, clean facilities, and friendly hosts. "The sound of the creek is soothing," mentioned one camper.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the scenic creek, spacious campsites, and the campground's location near Frenchman Lake. Many users also praised the helpful and friendly camp hosts.
Based on 36 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of showers, occasional issues with locked restrooms, and some grievances about new management policies, such as the $8 extra vehicle fee.
Based on 36 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
For the best experience, choose sites near the creek. Bring all necessary supplies as the campground is remote, with limited nearby services. Download maps in advance due to lack of cell service.
Based on 36 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with many visitors enjoying the creek and proximity to Frenchman Lake. Winter activities are also available but are less frequently mentioned in reviews.
Based on 36 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The hosts were very nice, some of the guests were a little loud after hours," "Clean bathrooms, no showers," and "The creek is nice, and there is a small area for children to play in shallow water."
Based on 36 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #7 is often highlighted as a top choice, located along the river and described as spacious. Site #3 is noted for accessibility.
Based on 36 reviewsAccessibility Features
Site #3 is wheelchair-accessible and praised for its proximity to the creek. "The camp host, Reta is exceptional. She is friendly and helpful," wrote one user.
Based on 36 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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